The first-ever CMO Awards, powered by Mi3, are now officially open for nominations. From demonstrating effective marketing strategy and business influence, to exhibitions of data-driven decision-making commercial impact and people leadership, this recognition program is all about showcasing the vital role marketing leaders play in delivering business growth.  

Selling marketing’s worth while avoiding selling success every time, along with how to work with boards now obsessed by risk, were key imperatives marketing leaders from Guzman y Gomez and Uber, along with one non-executive director, tackled on a panel at the launch of the CMO Awards, powered by Mi3. In a discussion that reflected the very nature of elevating marketing’s stature in business and its role in powering growth, the trio were quick to agree challenge is the mother of opportunity if you’re able to reframe macro-economic conditions – and trust your gut as well as data some of the time.

One-time ADMA chief Jodie Sangster, ex-World Vision and Deloitte CMOs Louise Cummins, Rochelle Tognetti and former strategy lead at The Works, Douglas Nicol, are self-funding – for now – the launch of a new industry body: The Australian Centre for AI in Marketing (ACAM). Sangster says it’s not aiming to be another industry association, more a ‘pro-purpose hub’ that makes AI learning accessible and practical for all marketers. But the foursome are simultaneously launching an AI consulting business – dubbed Air, an acronym for AI ready – via which they hope to fund ACAM. They already have some big name CMOs on board. Next up, they're benchmarking marketers on how AI-ready they are.

It’s taken nearly 18 months and the instalment of new CEO, Stephen Rue, but Optus has officially added an MD of corporate affairs and marketing to its executive ranks.

After an above-average five-year tenure as group CMO and 16 years with Woolworths, Andrew Hicks has confirmed he's stepping down at the end of the financial year.